HTML5 Apps Versus Native Mobile Apps: Unveiling Popular Myths

With the rapid proliferation of the mobile web technology, there is much discussion over the most suitable application that would deliver consumers access to any form of content irrespective of place or time. HTML5 became increasingly popular in 2012 and spread across the internet, defining all latest practices for navigation, layout and content structure of web pages. Yet there are concerns about the architecture of HTML5 which sparks a debate regarding the use of native mobile applications versus those applications which are developed for the mobile web.

As consumers get hooked to their Smartphones for browsing the web, playing games, downloading applications, and streaming movies, apps developers need to spend considerable time on determining how to render more functional and richer experiences across the numerous device platforms available. An inappropriate choice may result in unnecessary expense or may invite user dissatisfaction due to dull performance and poor quality.

In comparison to the previous versions, HTML5 makes it more convenient to develop feature-rich web-oriented applications that facilitate remote updating with new functionality without requiring repeated installation or download. In short HTML5 bridges the functionality gap between mobile apps and websites.

On the other hand, a native app can be directly installed within the Smartphone and can operate without internet connection. However, while an HTML5 app can operate on many platforms, a native app is platform specific and hence is more expensive.

A host of companies have already started taking advantage of the HTML5 hype. For instance, Burberry gained considerable popularity when it turned to HTML5 for launching one mobile application. Again, HTML5 is being increasingly used for mobile applications by newspaper organizations like Financial Times and Guardian. But native apps are not far behind in terms of making headlines with an average download of 40 applications per Smartphones within a year.

HTML5 however, has its own shortcomings and limitations. To begin with, the implementation procedure is different for different browsers and mobile platforms. This type of fragmentation in technology creates a hindrance for software developers wishing to understand which part of HTML5 can be utilized. Moreover, HTML5 apps can suffer from reduced speed and often work erroneously in the event of an intermittent data connection.

Other limitations of HTML5 as compared to native apps pertain to the lack of Digital Rights Management, required for handling numerous multimedia services and the non-availability of support for background processing. Moreover, HTML5 does not provide any kind of notifications or secure storage outside of the applications. Because of these shortcomings, some renowned companies have cut down on their use of HTML5.

The big myth revolving around the mobile web market is that native apps and HTML5 are the only two options. Some of the above-mentioned limitations may be dealt with by adopting a hybrid application approach, wherein considerable parts of the application are composed in web technology, but incorporating native code features within an HTML5 wrapper. This enables developers to add components of reusable HTML5 to operate over the native code so that the choicest features of each platform can be leveraged. Interestingly industry experts foresee the use of mobile web-based or hybrid apps in 80% of HTML5 mobile app development projects, by 2015.

Apart from gaining an in-depth knowledge about the potential of HTML5 and other related web technologies, companies can opt for the following:

• Watch out for any “one size fits all” promise: There are various types of mobile apps and there are rapid changes in user expectations. Hence there is least possibility of the existence of a single development method or tool that is suitable for all cases.
  
• Take care of back-end design and device software: While designing user-experience for business services, check whether you are dealing with mobile friendly services. The crucial road to making a business mobile through a website or apps normally starts with building web-oriented interfaces for portraying existing services.
  
• Optimize the mobile web presence: As consumers are increasingly turning to mobile devices for accessing websites, the user-experience factor cannot be ignored. Keeping separate desktop and mobile web presence becomes unmanageable after some point of time. So it is advisable to look forward to responsive design opportunities to ensure effective user interfaces.
  
• Make use of standard technologies to suffice your needs: It is good to go for a continual reassessment of the status of technologies associated with HTML5 to leverage this opportunity, as the ecosystem is rapidly evolving.

Hybrid apps are very significant because they offer opportunity to build an efficient mobile strategy on the basis of factors like necessary device functionality, programmer’s skills, and the significance of interoperability and security. While the debate over whether to go for HTML5 apps, native apps or hybrid application goes on, for the time being the best approach is to leverage what is available, to keep up with the pace of the rapidly moving mobile world.

We provide HTML5 development services. If you would like to discuss with an expert HTML5 developer from our team, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

What should You look for while Hiring Performance Testers?

Each company has to frequently explore options to develop innovative applications that will keep the users interested and engaged. An application can encourage users to access it again and again, only when it is tested by an experienced application performance tester. Many companies even deploy a team of professional testers to deliver the most efficient features, functionality and experience to the end-users. Often organizations find it a daunting challenge to find and hire a good performance tester.

Most companies hire testers based on their experience in developing projects and using performance testing tools. But it is also important to concentrate on some additional qualities that will help you in hiring a professional who can bring a variety of projects to threshold of success. In addition to checking the educational background, application testing skills and professional experience, you also need to check if the professional has adequate knowledge of testing lifecycle, ability to adopt innovative techniques to tackle new problems, and willingness to learn and adapt to a variety of systems.

Essential Qualities of a Good Performance Tester

Ability to Understand the Application Features and Functionality: Before testing an application, the performance tester has to walk through the project by meeting the development team informally. When the developing team explains him the feature, functionality and use of the application, the tester must pay undivided attention to minute details. At the same time, he also needs to concentrate and pay complete attention to understand the functionality of the application clearly. Some testers even schedule another informal meeting to clarify their doubts.

An Eye for Details: Each software performance tester must have an eye for details. While discussing the project with the development team, he must note down the key points keenly. Also, he must identify the data points that will help in correlating and parameterize the entire project while writing the testing script. For instance, the tester must pay attention to certain parameters like information related to date and time, login details to access the app, and use of specific menus and drop-down boxes. These details can be used to prepare a comprehensive performance testing script.

Knowledge of Performance Testing Concept: A good performance tester also needs to possess sound knowledge of software performance testing basics and concepts. Regardless of the nature and type of the project, he must clearly identify certain concepts like objectives of the testing; nature of the performance testing services; differences between performance metrics; reading the performance monitors correctly; and detecting the techniques and bottlenecks to optimize performance.

Experience in Writing Codes and Using Testing Tools: A good programmer can always be a good performance tester. So can always consider hiring a tester who knows how to write and compile codes. At the same time, the tester must be familiar in using a variety of free and paid application testing tools. You can even look for a tester who has good domain knowledge. For instance, if you are expecting the professionals to test financial application, it is a good idea to hire a tester who is familiar with accounting concepts, and understand the nuances of financial receipts and payment.

Good Analytical and Communication Skills: Each application is tested in several phases. But the tester must monitor and analyze the project constantly from the first testing phase. So he must possess good analytical skills, and apply his mind to track the testing results from the very beginning. At the same time, the professional must possess good communication skills to clearly convey his plans, ideas and thoughts. You can even ask the applicant to write a report to ensure that he can convey his ideas in simple and error-free English.

Must be a Team Player: Like all software development projects, software testing services also should be offered by a “team” of expert professionals. So the tester has to have a good rapport with his teammates, project manager, and the team of code writers or programmers. As the project will be successful only because of the combined efforts of the application development and testing teams, the professional must cooperate and coordinate with others to make the project a success. Along with giving relevant suggestions and ideas, the tester also need to pay adequate attention to the views, ideas, suggestions and feedback of other staff.

A tester often has to interact with the customer or client. Many clients even interact with the performance testers directly to clarify their doubts. In addition to the important qualities mentioned above, you must hire a tester by keeping in mind the specific testing needs of the applications being developed by your organization.

We provide performance testing services. If you would like to outsource load testing, then we request you to have a discussion with our load testers. We will be glad to assist you.

DotNet Development and the Reasons Why It Is Preferred by Many

DotNet framework is developed by Microsoft known for its services like memory management, security and exceptional handling. It is a revolutionary expertise which has been in line with the creation of dynamic applications which are mostly interactive and user-friendly. It is mostly preferred platform for creating robust applications targeting desktop, laptop, Smartphones and all kinds of tablet users.

Since its launch it has been used by developers across the globe catering various software needs of diverse domains and industries. It has given high end web application services and has gained fame by being the most wanted technologies in the world. DotNet is a combination of a number of technologies, tools as well as international coding standards. The evolution of web development is likely attributed to DotNet development which has generated marvelous interest in creating cloud-based solutions too.

There is strong competition in the field of technologies and furthermore the need to generate more enterprise online with expertise and know-how. To achieve this, optimal use of DotNet development services is of great importance. This newest web expertise has encapsulated huge allowance of information and critical facts and figures which include details about customers, operations, services and the like. It can interact well between newer and older applications. With its advanced design features and tools, it manages security requirements and is highly portable which means it can run on multiple platforms.

Reasons for DotNet development rules the web development world and is the most favorite among programmers:

1. Support for Several Programming Languages

DotNet has multi-lingual capabilities which help developers of diverse origins and allows the developer for language programming comfortably. So one can easily pick his favorite DotNet framework-supported-programming-language and make robust web applications that will run in a virtual environment.

2. Higher security levels

It is rather one of the best in security features because of its defense-in-depth security scheme. The security grade of the applications can be ascertained by the developers as needed for database security, particularly if the apps is accessed remotely. The main security model of the DotNet framework comprises of a few core components such as, the code access security, role based security, cryptography and the application domains.

• Code access security: If any resource is to be accessed, but the code does not provide the permission, the access to that particular resource would be denied. It focuses on the policy and permissions as evidence aspects defined by the evidence-based security. The Code access security aspect of the DotNet framework has recently been modified and updated, so that it could be used and understood in a simpler manner.

• Cryptography: Within the DotNet framework the cryptography consists of the digital signatures, random number generation, hashing and more, where the elements are easily accessible to the developers. This aids in providing a high amount of flexibility when the security components are combined together at various levels of security present.

• Role Based Security: This aims to connect the security aspect the groups and the users within the application. This is generally done through the authorization and authentication, where then the security access level (permission) of the user is known by determining their role.

• Application domains: The DotNet framework ensures to keep the portions of an application separate from one another, with the help of the application domains which proves to be very helpful in the entire process. Due to the verified managed code of the framework it, the CLR is capable of high isolation within the process itself, where each process can comprise of a different security level.

3. Large Number of Ready to Use Classes

The DotNet Framework class library is divided into two parts: the Base Class Library and the Framework Class Library, which is huge includes an expanded set of libraries, including Windows Forms, ADODotNet, ASPDotNet, Language Integrated Query, Windows Presentation Foundation, Windows Communication Foundation etc. Many developers also love the DotNet framework to due to its large set of ready to use classes. The system classes can be used by any app that is developed on the platform. Further, Microsoft has developed the DotNet framework based on object oriented architecture. So each tag or code written by you will be treated as an object.

4. Supports data retrieval and recovery

DotNet possesses magnificent crash protection capability which helps in data recovery after a sudden crash effortlessly. It can detect any memory leak and can retrieve it back. These security measures make DotNet extremely reliable and secured to use.

5. Innovative Web Services

DotNet enables multiple functionalities in the websites making it marked as the most scalable and reliable platform, which fulfills all modern apps development requirements. It makes use of HTML, C#, and Javascript to create sophisticated as well dynamic websites. It has interoperability features and most demanding platform for web development.

6. Rapid development and wide coding standards

DotNet supports rapid application development and exhibits classic applications with the help of its powerful tools which are available in the IT market. This helps the developers avoid fresh new code and make use of existing code snippets and Windows application services. DotNet also supports various applications which are of immense advantage for the programmers.

Along with various other reasons, DotNet also manages to provide an excess of enhancements, modifications and customizations. Its features on various attributes which are akin to top quality and reliable solutions. It is profitable to hire offshore software providers who boast of amazing skill set and cost-effective services. This practice has worked wonders for many companies and continues to be beneficial for companies who opt for virtual developers adept in .net application development.

We provide .net web development services. If you would like to discuss with an expert asp.net developer from our team, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

Java - The Reason Behind Its Never Ending Demand

Java is the most heard programming languages since 1995. It was developed by James Gosling at Sun Microsystems which was later promoted by the Oracle company. It has object oriented programming concepts and used in a variety of computing platforms from embedded devices and mobile phones on the low end, to enterprise servers and supercomputers on the high end. Java has reached all kinds of Smartphones, smart applications, enterprise applications. Java is completely platform independent can run on any machine as long as the Java Virtual machine (JVM) is installed in it. But let us understand what makes java application development so popular.

Java is popular and has got a huge fan community because of its exclusive features:

1. Java is portable as Java code can execute on all major platforms. It has three types of portability: source code portability, CPU architecture portability and OS/GUI portability. Running a java program on different machines can require different amounts of work (for example, no work whatsoever, recompiling, or making small changes to the source code). When people refer to Java applications and applets as portable, they usually mean the applications and applets run on different types of machines with no changes. Programs written in Java are converted to byte code compiled into machine code during run time by the Just In Time compiler or JIT. Java runtime is used for Java applications and applets.
2. A series of activities like threading, networking and even graphical features via applets. It has got microcontrollers capable of running a Java program without the presence of an interface.
3. Java deals uniquely with memory management feature. Its garbage collector frees the memory from objects which are not required or which will not be required. In order to check whether an object is required or not its recent references are checked. If the object is not being referenced anymore it frees up the space automatically.
4. It is free, users need not struggle for heavy license each year. Java's API can be easily accessed by developers.
5. Java embraced the concept of exception specifications. It allows you to create modular programs and reusable codes.

Another great benefit of JAVA is that, the ones the program is in writing in java we can run it anywhere means that applications developed through Java are platform independent. JAVA based enterprise applications perform well because of stable JAVA standards help developers to conceive multilevel applications with a component based approach.

It has some advanced unique features with makes it more effective and delivers customized and highly interactive sites. It is obtainable with the very best established of APIs turning it less complicated for Java builders to create application codes no cost of bugs. This is not feasible in another programming language. This facility can make the procedure of application advancement less complicated and much less-pricey.

Java is a great language has some amazing uses that cover a wide industrial spectrum by its expertise. It is fast, powerful and runs on any platform. It became an awesome choice for developer and software vendors to develop high quality complex applications and software. Development of business and enterprise application development was a bit complex at that time but after the arrival of advanced java and J2ee it helped a lot. It helps in developing multitier enterprise applications which makes more demands. Build secure and advanced applications with Java which suits your business needs at its best.

We provide java web development services. If you would like to know more about the expertise of our expert java developers, please visit Mindfire Solutions.

4 Dynamic PHP Frameworks for E-commerce Development

E-commerce stands for Electronic Commerce is the latest shopping cart solutions, inventory and order management solutions and e-commerce web solutions which are duly customized to users' requirements. It is most popular online shopping trend going on the web. It is the best sales tool at your fingertips. Through Smartphone you can shop anywhere at anytime. Building an E-commerce store online drives more business today. It encompasses a wide variety of information gathered from e-business planning and prospecting.

Why an online store?

Nowadays online stores transform from small customer bases to much larger and more targeted business. It builds confidence in keeping customer relationships, promoting sales and builds effective and attractive website design which pulls more users. The website is updated with fresh and latest information which is a strong reason to keep customer visits often. Online stores are always on toes for their customers thus remain up to date with information showcasing their latest products in catalog fashion, manage inventory and shipping, as well as take payments in real-time.

Importance of Online store

E-commerce has grown in importance as companies have adopted and grown be it consumer based retail sites, auction or music sites, to business exchanges trading goods and services between corporations. It is faster, cheaper and more convenient where suppliers and potential customers are brought together to conduct mutually beneficial trade. Some classic features have made E-commerce websites more demanding and successful. It stands today on the top-of-the-line online platform, brings customized solution, search engine optimization friendly. Provides a customized dashboard, customized shopping cart and checkout process. Brings expansion and growth in business. And provides excellent services in order processing and shipping management.

Dynamic PHP Frameworks

Frameworks came to existence in 2004, when they offered themselves as a large scope of the solution to build robust applications. Most of the popular PHP frameworks are powering rich customized websites based around the MVC design methodology. Ruby on Rails MVC framework launched around mid-2004 which has been an inspiration for many other PHP frameworks.

PHP has a wider range of frameworks, where WordPress and Drupal are considered best for content management system development, CakePHP and Zend are for website development and Magento, X-Cart , osCommerce and Zen Cart are the best ones for E-commerce solutions. This has triggered immense demand for PHP web development. E-Commerce has become an important tool for businesses worldwide where gaming, retail and travel are the region's top e-commerce segments. Some of the most popular E-commerce PHP Frameworks are:

• Magento: It is a popular Zend framework launched on March 31, 2008. It is widely adopted from small retailer to large multinational businesses and used by 150,000 sites worldwide. It is a unique E-commerce platform having multi-store and multi-site functionality feature, excellent product categorization, shopper filtering and flexible transaction options. It is built on the MVC framework and its searching cart feature is one of the most current in the marketplace. It assists you in developing a great buying cart website in quicker time.

• X-Cart: is another open-source E-commerce solution produces millions of sales to millions of online customers every day. It gives almost all the functionalities which an e-store demand. They come with great design templates, build customized app with simple PHP code and WYSIWYG user interface. Quickly promotes its websites on Facebook leveraging social media power. It provides a user friendly environment having 25,000 online stores around the world.

• OS commerce: is an online store-management software started in March 2000 in Germany. Over 260,000 store owners, developers and service providers work at every stage of running your online store and business. There are more than 7,000 free Add-Ons that are uploaded by the community to use and customize online store. Having 12,800 registered sites, 271,988 community members and 1,545,459 forum postings. A wide range of out-of-the-box features allows online store setup quickly with ease and is readily available as an Open Source web based solution.

• ZenCart: is a PHP based framework, branched from osCommerce as a separate project in 2003. It provides excellent online shopping management system. Easy-to-setup and runs as a full-featured self-hosted online store. It ensures website to look great and showcases their products in a sophisticated way pulling more customers. Its extensive features makes it all the more popular - easy installation, multiple customer modes, unlimited category depth, multiple sales and discounts, unlimited extra pages, multiple payment options, multiple shipping options, discount coupons, gift certificates, multiple language and provides a completely customized package for building richer and advanced applications.

Using these PHP frameworks one can scale up speed in project development and make it easier for users to create stable, reliable, rich, customized and modern web applications. Around 20 million websites around the globe including the big shots like Facebook, Yahoo and every Magento store, run on this framework and PHP is one of the extensively used technologies worldwide. PHP frameworks are tailored to provide online customers with the best shopping experience ever with super exciting features catering to your best business needs.

We provide PHP development services. If you would like to know more about the expertise of our expert PHP development team, please visit Mindfire Solutions.